Extern charity takes top Ulster University award for social work placements

The charity’s Practice Development Unit (PDU) was named winner in the Business Partnership (Over 50 Employees) Placement category of the Ulster University Excellence Awards, which took place online on August 27.

The awards recognise and reward placement partnerships that have enriched the personal and professional development of the university’s students, and cutting-edge collaborations between academics and researchers with external stakeholders.

Extern provides social work placements in the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland, and plays a leading role in assisting university students with finding the right placements to help get their careers started.

Central to this is the Practice Development Unit, which provides training services, internally and externally, across Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Interim CEO of Extern, Ciairín de Buis, said: “This is fantastic news for Extern, and is a great reflection of the hard work and dedication of our Practice Development Unit.

“Social work is a challenging but immensely rewarding career, and as one of the leading employers and trainers of social workers here, Extern plays a key role in developing this vital area of work. Well done to everyone involved in this fantastic achievement.”

For further details on Extern’s training services, and for the latest social work job opportunities, visit www.extern.org

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